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School-based courses

Schools are encouraged to provide school-based programs that allow young people to earn credit towards Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.

School students can choose to study a certificate course which is based on one session per week of either a full or half day, while still attending school as a part of the requirements to gain a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships also provide the opportunity to train towards nationally accredited qualifications that contribute to the QCE.

These options are designed to help school students embark on the first steps of their future working career.

For more information, contact the Schools Consultant at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE on 07 4694 1775.

Advantages of studying with TAFE while at school
Changing your Tertiary entrance rank
Gaining credit towards university
School-based courses
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
Enrolment process

Advantages of studying with TAFE while at school

School students who undertake a nationally recognised VET qualification at TAFE as part of their senior studies pay no tuition fees where the qualification is part of or counts towards a Certificate III or higher-level qualification.

Study at TAFE while still in high school and get a Certificate II or III completed before you leave.

Under these arrangements, a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) can be issued if a student gains 20 points during their senior phase of learning. Up to 12 of these points can be in VET to count towards the QCE.

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Changing your Tertiary entrance rank

Studies in any Certificate (III or IV), Diploma or Advanced Diploma programs at TAFE Queensland, will also improve your Tertiary Entrance (TE) Rank and provide a pathway to most universities.

 Program  Selection rank  Approx OP equivalent
 Completed Advanced Diploma 91 (minimum) 
 Completed Diploma 82 (minimum)  10
 Completed Certificate IV 74   13
 Completed Certificate III  68  15
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Gaining credit towards university

You may also be eligible for credit for any TAFE studies you have completed which may help reduce your study time and cost at university. Most Diploma programs can earn up to at least a year's credit towards degree programs and some programs have dual enrolment arrangements with the University of Southern Queensland.

The Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE has credit agreements with:

Some universities also accord bonus ranks for completion of TAFE qualifications. Contact the universities for details of bonus schemes.

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School-based courses

Students in year 10, 11 & 12 can complete VET certificates while still at school, providing a head start to chosen careers, or as a part-time work supplement to income while at university or further study.

For further information on courses designed specifically for school students, please download the full 2011 Schools training prospectus [PDF 6.82mb]

The 2011 Schools training prospectus can also be downloaded for your district:

Charleville [PDF 1.89mb]
Chinchilla [PDF 1.88mb]
Dalby [PDF 1.91mb]
Roma [PDF 1.91mb]
Kingaroy [PDF 1.86mb]
Stanthorpe [PDF 1.87mb]
Toowoomba [PDF 1.96mb]
Warwick [PDF 1.90mb]

Programs for students with a disability;

Note: Programs are not available at all campuses.

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School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships allow high school students, typically those in years 11 and 12, to work with an employer as paid employees whilst studying for their Senior Certificate.

For further information, please refer to the Apprenticeships Info website. To contact Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE staff about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, please contact your nearest campus.

Who is eligible?

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are designed for year 11 and 12 students. To undertake a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, students must:

What is the difference between an apprentice and a trainee?

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, for a real boss with a real wage. There are two differences between an apprentice and a trainee.

An apprentice is trained in a skilled trade and upon successful completion will become a qualified tradesperson. Trades such as electrician, plumber, cabinet maker, and automotive mechanic are just a few that are included in the apprenticeship scheme.

A trainee is someone who is being trained in a vocational area. These vocational areas include, but are not limited to, office administration, information technology, and hospitality. Upon completion of a traineeship you will receive to a minimum of a Certificate II in your chosen vocational area.

Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time or school-based (where some of the training is undertaken while the apprentice or trainee is in high school).

Facts about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships

Finishing

The employer and the apprentice or trainee must notify their supervising registered training organisation when they agree that the requirements of the training plan have been fulfilled.

How to enrol

Students should be 15 years of age, although applications may be accepted from younger students currently in year 10 when enrolling. In this instance, the following conditions must be met:

Enrolment will occur when the agreement has been signed off by the Faculty and Institute Director at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE.

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Enrolment process

  1. Select a program by choosing from the list detailed in the 2011 School training prospectus [PDF 6.82mb]
  2. Complete the relevant forms:
  3. Read the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Student guide supplied upon enrolment.
  4. Notify your school of intention to study at TAFE and arrange for payment of fees to your school to avoid missing out on a class place.
  5. Attend the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Orientation in November of the previous year you intend to study. 
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This page was last updated at 07-May-2013
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